new tires on my '02 Saab '9-3 SE

I have some Goodyear NCTs on my 9000 that are H rated.

What did you want to know ?

Graham

Like you, I was didn't like the Pirelli's lack of logevity. 15k miles lifetime is utterly inacceptable, and as far as I am concerned a poor OEM tire choice by Saab. I went for the Continental Extreme Contact, and after

30k miles and 2 rotations they look like they have very good life left in them. Less noise than the Pirellis, too, and I hve not missed the Pirellis when turning fast, either!

Pablo,

Just curious, what is the exact modelof the Continental's you have & how are they on wet traction?

Thanks,

Ira

PS: which Saab do you drive?

He gave you the model :-) "Conti Extreme Contact". I have them too. Great tires. Wet, dry, snow performance all great. Quiet. Soak up bumps. FWIW, one other poster here had "not round" problems with his. Conti gives you a 1 year warranty with an "customer satisfaction" exchange period up front which is very generous. Check the reviews at

Read the "reviews" and "survey" results.

If you want to look at another nice, reasonably priced tire, check out the Yokohama Avid V4S.

Do *NOT* put H (120mph) tires on a car that goes 150mph. Regardless of the speed issue, you will find that (at least) "V" rated tires handle and ride better. You can get V rated tires at reasonable prices if you just look around a little.

Most, if not all retail tire shops will NOT put a H rated tire on a car where the factory specs call for a V rated. If you really want to put H rated tires on the car, you would have to bring the just the rims to the store and lie about the car model. You could order rims with H rated tires mounted from tirerack.

A minor correction.

H rated tyres are specced for 130 mph.

The T rating is 120 mph.

I just looked at a UK tyre specialist's site and found that the V rated tyres - when available - cost little more that H rated ( in some cases it's literally pennies ) so it does make sense to buy V rated.

Graham

You are correct,it's 130, not 120. Still, the difference in ride/handling for V rated tire is well worth it. And, as you say, to cost difference is minimal if you do your shopping.